The idea of The Kennet as being a ‘Gin Clear’ stream is a myth. What can we do about it? On Wednesday next week – 5 August – there will be a special screening of ‘Jo in the Water’ at The Parade Cinema starting at 5pm, followed by a chance to ask questions of and talk with James Wallace, CEO of the national environmental charity River Action.
With ARK – Action for the River Kennet and Transition Marlborough the screening of this film will give everyone interested in the health of our river to learn and discuss what can be done – using James’ experience from elsewhere. What’s there at present, run by Thames Water doesn’t do that job. James has made clear that current sewage treatment works licenses do not mandate tertiary filtration to remove all contaminant – i.e. they don’t do what they are there to do. This creates a scenario where water companies can operate within the law while the river fights to survive. This is Thames Water.
Milly Carmichael of Transition Marlborough wants to see the end of long-term and repeated discharges of untreated sewage into the River Kennet. Sharing her story of protest of by non-payment of a household Thames Water bill, Milly is sure that we can, collectively and effectively, press our water company to do better; to do much better. Giving all human and non-human residents of the catchment, along with the river herself, a voice.
Charlotte Hitchmough, Director of ARK highlights data from Citizen Scientists documenting the assault on the river by a “cocktail of pollutants” (nitrates, phosphates, E. coli, heavy metals, “forever chemicals” like PFAS / PFOS – see below for details, microplastics) that can render it unsafe for swimming and hostile to wildlife, yet many of these discharges remain legal. Hot weather and low flows concentrate pollution, making the situation worse.
This is the River Kennet. There is plenty that we can do, and particularly push for the state of the water in the river to be improved so that the River Kennet can be made usable again by us all and become truly resilient so it will flow clean and clear for future generations as it did for our ancestors.
Together, we will ensure the River Kennet has a voice and our protection so it may be truly resilient to flow clean and clear for future generations as it did for our ancestors.
the screening of ‘Jo in the Water’ can be an opportunity to discuss how we can all move forwards. Cost £12.50, but that includes a complimentary drink sponsored by Ramsbury Brewery.
The Parade Cinema – Come join the Kitchen team
